Post your favourite bird watching spots in the UK here:

South East:

• Farnham Heath (Surrey)
• Barfold Copse (Surrey)
• Kingley Vale Nature Reserve (West Sussex)
• Forewood (Sussex)
• Garston Wood (Dorset)
  

Not sure if people would consider it a top site, but I'm very fond of it - Chew Valley Lake, Somerset. I've found it to be good at all times of the year, but especially winter.

I also enjoy the Weymouth area - Lodmoor, Radipole, Ferry Bridge and Portland Bill.

East Anglia:

Wicken Fen, Hickling Broad, Cley, Titchwell, Minsmere.

North West:

Leighton Moss, Martin Mere, Morcambe Bay, Red Rocks, Hilbre Islands

To name just a few

Hmm, theres so many! Will have to go with:

1. Isles of Scilly (numero uno, no competition!)
2. Hayle Estuary, Cornwall
3. Any of the Valleys in West Cornwall eg. Porthgwarra, Cot, Nanquidno, Kenidjack.
4. North Norfolk coast in Winter
5. Spurn Point, Esat Yorkshire
6. Hatfield Moors, South Yorks
7. Potteric Carr, S. Yorks (stunning views of Bittern)

and many more.....

Paul

I'm flying to Cornwall from Essex (!) at the end of March for a bit of birding. Where do you reckon are the best places to see some good sea birds (in particular)?

Hmm. Not a good time for seabirds at the end of March. What were you hoping to see? And where are you staying?

Haven't booked yet, but I have to use a few days holiday and the £15 flight on Ryanair (inc taxes) seemed too good to pass up. I'm not looking for great rarities, it's just that I've only been birdwatching again for about 9 months after many years away from the hobby and my species list is looking very threadbear in some areas. So some Gannets and other such sea birds would be fine and any other typical birds of the area. Or do you reckon I should head somewhere closer to home such as Norfolk? I spent a great weekend there in early November and saw lots of good stuff.

This post was last modified: 27-02-2008 08:10 PM by musclecat.

Decisions, decisions. I would say you would see birds in both counties. If you want seabirds then Cornwall could offer Manx and Balearic Sh'water and possibly a few divers still hanging around. And Gannets! Norfolk would be better for Ducks and there may be a few geese hanging on. I imagine there will still be Cattle Egrets hanging around in Cornwall and quite a few spring migrants although if the wind is blowing Easterlies then Norfolk might be better for Migrants. Where would you fly too in Cornwall? Newquay i presume?

I'll fly to Newquay. I've probably seen most of the ducks I'm likely to see in Norfolk this winter, so I'll probably give Cornwall a go. Nice scenery as well, as long as the weather holds up!

I don't want to be a moan but flying from Essex to Cornwall!!!

Shouldn't all people who fly short haul be ASBO'd.

It takes longer to fly to Newquay from where I live than flying to the middle of France. It would take about six hours to drive.

As it happens I've changed my mind and will be driving to Dorset or Norfolk, though perhaps you'd prefer me to walk!

Sorry fella that was a bit of an unprovoked attack but the point being made is, as you know, very valid. I'm certainly not an eco-warrior but I have made some sacrifices in my life, not flying short haul being one of them.

Funny you mention being able to fly to the middle of France quicker, well thats also short haul isn't it. Also funny that whilst you are on a UK Wildlife forum I thought it would be more a case of preaching to the proverbial converted. Still, good decision to use the road if the trains are not an option. A coach would be best but if you can fill the car then at least that is one thing.

Love the the hayle estuary but its a bit of adrive from here(about six hours lol) tend not to go there best of all is my little patch it takes in some private woodland me mate owns a bit of the suffolk stour and some rough grazing land oh yea and a small marsh most of which my mate also owns so theres only a couple of us have permission to be there but other people often "stray" there by mistake as long as no damage is done no one minds

My favourite spot is The Manydown Estate, Hampshire - fantastic resource for birdwatching and walking that is threatened by a plan to build public housing. We walk there at least once a week and see something different everytime. After walking there for three years, it always amazes us that we have never seen another birdwatcher!!

The Exe estuary area is stunning! Lots of birds at different times of year.

Try any one of these:
Bowling Green Marsh, Topsham at high tide.
Exminster Marshes.
Dawlish Warren.
Orcombe Point, Exmouth for Spring & Autumn migration.

but anywhere around the Exe is good.

Nearby we have the East Devon Commons, good for Dartford Warblers & Nightjars, and if the Exe is too big for you, try the Otter estuary at Budleigh Salterton.